Another Friday, another Five Minute Friday with The Gypsy Mama! Five Minute Friday is where we write on a given topic for five minutes only, no editing, no worrying whether its "just right." It's so much fun. Feel free to join in! This week's topic is, "On distance." Here goes:
Go.
Distance is a funny thing. In and of itself it's neutral but when applied to our lives can be such a good or bad thing.
Distance can create loneliness. Or can create space, can open up places where we are able to grow. Or create vacuous holes, gaping wounds that need filling.
Finding the right balance of “proper distance” is different for everyone.
Sometimes we dream of distance—of far off shores and mountain tops all green and lush. We wonder what it might be like to bridge the gap. To shorten the distance to reach exotic lands.
Or sometimes we just dream of space—a healthy distance that allows us a bit of peace and quiet. “Good fences make good neighbors” as Robert Frost says.
And what of the distance in our hearts? Do we keep ourselves at a distance-shielding ourselves with heart armor? Or do we let things in—connective bridges of love, laughter and God, across moat of mistrust and fear?
Determining your distance requires time and effort and knowing.
Stop.
That was really interesting to ponder. I felt like I went in a gazillion different directions with that! I loved exploring how distance can mean so many things. And as always, those 5 minutes fly!
What does distance mean to you?
Visiting from 5 Minute Friday. Thank you for stopping by my blog! Lovely to have you over. I really like what you said here. It reads very poetically too. I love all the different types of distance you listed. So true, so very true. I look forward to getting to know you more. You have a lovely family, by the way. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Erin!! I just saw your Relevant button. IM GOING TOO!! Cant wait to meet you!
ReplyDelete@Rambling Heather
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Heather. Oh, I am *so* excited that you're going to Relevant, too! Can't wait to meet you, either!!
This is a gorgeous post Erin. The Frost quote pretty much sums up my personal style. It is so hard to move outside my comfort zone and really give. Does that make sense? Anyway... you raise great questions on distance.
ReplyDelete@Alita
ReplyDeleteAlita,
I know exactly what you mean about moving outside your comfort zone! I struggle with that, too. Although I try my best to be friendly I am an introvert at heart, so I have to always push myself outside of the "safe" boundaries. It's so rewarding to break free, though! :)
Great post! I like the idea of "proper distance" and that it's different for everyone. It's probably different in every situation too. But that's absolutely true. And so difficult to determine at times. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Smiles -
ReplyDeleteGreat job...my husband used to own a fence company and that was the first time I had heard good fences make good neighbors. I myself prefer country living so I don;t need to worry about fences or neighbors.
ReplyDeleteDistance, both tangible and emotional, can be a strange paradox. It separates, but also tests the strength of the connections. In these five minutes, you have beautifully captured the essence of overcoming the gaps created by distance. Join us on this journey of contemplation. Now I am busy with my mcdonalds swot analysis project. If you have good knowledge about this topic please guide me professionally.
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